As you drive to town, you notice a semi-truck approaching you. The very next thing you remember is waking up in a hospital bed. Apparently, the truck you saw approaching ended up striking your car.
Fortunately, you survived the truck accident. However, unfortunately, the crash caused you to suffer injuries to your brain. If the truck accident was the result of the truck driver’s negligence, though, it is within your rights to pursue justice through the Illinois civil court system.
Concussions
Perhaps you hit your head against your car’s dashboard or steering wheel during the truck accident. This can easily cause traumatic injuries to the brain — particularly a concussion. Signs of a concussion include being confused, being foggy minded, losing consciousness and being dizzy. If your concussion is severe, you might end up suffering permanent damage to the brain.
Diffuse axonal injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries are other injuries to the brain that may lead to permanent damage. These injuries can develop if your brain experiences shaking or harsh rotation forces. These forces can cause tears to form in the structure of your brain because the skull essentially shears the brain’s edges.
The tears may cause your brain to experience disruptions on a neuro-chemical level. Not every person who suffers these kinds of injuries faces the same types of symptoms. However, as a general rule of thumb, you might experience disruptions in your motor function, motor sensation, olfactory abilities or memory.
Contusions
Contusions make up yet another form of injuries to the brain. These kinds of injuries are essentially areas of your brain featuring localized bleeding. They are similar to concussions in that a blow to the head can easily cause them. A surgeon may have to remove contusions because if blood clots form in these areas, they can be fatal.
Your rights if injured in a truck accident
If a truck driver’s carelessness has resulted in your brain injuries, you may choose to file a personal injury claim, seeking damages. In addition to naming the truck driver in the suit, you could name his or her employer in the suit as well. If you are successful in your case, you may receive a damage award that might help with covering your medical costs and other expenses stemming from the truck accident.
